Author Archives: Jennifer

Libby & Shida’s Grinnell Graduation Day Wedding

Friday, September 27, 2019

Had it not been for a pesky eraser in math class at Grinnell College, Libby and Shida wouldn’t be where they are today! After meeting during a study session their second semester of college, they became good friends. Eventually, that turned into something more! A few years later, after Shida proposed during a spring break trip to visit Libby’s family, they decided that they’d make their graduation weekend into an even bigger celebration and get married too!

When Libby first contacted us, I was in disbelief that they were planning to walk across the commencement stage in the morning…and only a few hours later get married. To me, it sounded stressful and a tiny bit crazy! I’ve photographed Grinnell College’s commencement several times, so I knew how long it tended to last. I was a little skeptical we would pull it all off. But they never worried, and in fact, things went incredibly smoothly throughout the entire day!

A large part of that is due to their incredible family that helped every step of the way, particularly Libby’s mom, Donna. She invested her heart into her daughter’s wedding, and it was the sweetest moment when she watched her walk down the aisle. I believe every parent is beaming with pride when their children graduate from college, but compound that with the joy of a wedding day, and you have one of the best days ever!

Libby and Shida, congratulations! You did it! You’re married AND college grads!

Our associate, Beth, photographed this wedding. To view more of her work, please go here.

preppy grinnell wedding

graduation day wedding program

My dear friend Mandy from M.Klyn Floral provided the most gorgeous flowers! I’m in love with this bouquet. And Libby’s mother designed their beautiful invitations – I love the preppy classic look!

I love the lemons on their invitations!

Libby, you looked beautiful!

A fun little note – originally, Libby and her bridesmaids were going to get ready in the basement of Herrick Chapel. If you have ever been in this space (I have many times) it is essential a dungeon where light goes to die. This is not an exaggeration! I don’t recommend it as a getting ready space because it is small, cramped, and dark. So…I suggested that they get ready at my studio! Which has plenty of room and natural light. Now that we’ve done it once, we realize how AWESOME it is to have our brides prep at our photography studio, so…if you are a future bride getting married in Grinnell and want to use the space, let us know!

From the S&B article highlighting their upcoming wedding.

The perfect bridal party!

Libby got a little teared up during the processional – their ceremony was so sweet!

Married at last! The crowd gathered to cheer them on!

Beth knocked it out of the park with these perfect portraits of the bride and groom!

Dresses with pockets are the best idea ever!

When all your friends have a bit day, you all want to celebrate!

Their intimate reception was held at the Depot Crossing in Grinnell and featured one of my most favorite cakes from Classic Cakes by Design.

I wasn’t sure if everyone would have it in them to dance, but they had a PARTY, that is for sure! I think everyone had such an exciting day with graduation and then a wedding, that it was the best way to end the weekend!

Congratulations Libby & Shida!

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Bridal Details: What to Prepare for Your Wedding Photographer Wedding Tip Wednesday

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

When you are thinking about your wedding day, there is a LOT to keep in mind! One thing that we find incredibly helpful is to give our brides a list of a few items that we like for them to have prepared for us in their getting ready room when we arrive. We affectionately call this “The Detail Time” and having all of these details ready for us as soon as we arrive saves us time, and also saves you from running around trying to gather things for us right in the middle of getting your hair and makeup finished. Before I get into why this is important, let’s talk about the what – what details do you need?

You may be asking “what in the world are detail photos?” These are the photos that help tell the story of your big day, and bring together all of the little pieces into a collage of memories and treasures. Detail photos showcase the theme, style, and personality of your day. Whether you have a feminine look, bohemian, or more modern, your details are important to your story!

Some items that we recommend gathering before we arrive are:

Rings (bride’s engagement and wedding ring, groom’s wedding ring, any heirloom rings)
Wedding dress (make sure you clip off all the tags!)
Wooden hanger
Jewelry (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, hair pieces, etc)
Stationary suite (Save the Date, RSVP card, envelope, invitation, wedding program – we recommend 2 copies of everything)
Vows/letters
Flowers (typically a boutonniere or two or some single stems, and the bride’s bouquet work well)
Perfume
Garter
Bride’s shoes
Veil
Anything that is unique, special, and helps tell your love story! In the past for couples, we have seen wooden shoes, wedding favors, a Bible with your wedding verse highlighted, etc.

Having these items gathered together in a bag or small box makes sure that you aren’t scrambling for them the morning of, and that you know exactly where they are at all times – especially important for the jewelry! We like to get these shots in a flat spot near natural light if possible, so sometimes we end up in a completely different space than you might be getting ready. I’ve been known to move items to a front porch or side rooms at venues – anything for perfect light! Knowing this ahead of time, having everything ready and easily in a box or something similar makes it a bit easier to transport if necessary.

You might be curious why we put so much emphasis on details and documenting these objects on your wedding day. For many couples, they spend quite a bit of tie coordinating and planning both the big and small aspects of their wedding day, and this means the details reflect their personalities, interests, and their relationship. They really are part of the story of your wedding day! We particularly love when heirloom details are involved, like a the bride’s mom’s wedding ring or a note from a grandparent. These special items are personally meaningful and we want to include them when we document the details of your day!

We are often asked what detail and getting ready photos can look like when taken at a bride’s home, and this is one of our favorite examples. It really incorporates her family and her childhood home in a personal way!

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Kylea & Josh’s Cedar Rapids Engagement Session

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Josh and Kylea had the dreamiest engagement session back at where it all began – Coe College in Cedar Rapids. After meeting and falling in love at Coe, their biggest request was returning there for their engagement photos. It was the most perfect late-summer evening, the kind you dream of for a photoshoot! Their sweet dog Nala joined us for the beginning for a few, but then it was their turn for the spotlight. Even though Josh and Kylea said they were a tad nervous (Kyea sent me the sweetest text earlier in the day saying how excited/anxious she was!) they were both total naturals the entire time!

Love love LOVED this spot at Coe!

Whenever a couple brings their dog, it’s a bit unpredictable how things will go – Nala attacked a squirrel right before this! So she was excited to get moving to say the least!

One of my favorites.

After our time together at Coe taking advantage of the gorgeous campus, they did a quick change and we headed out to the countryside for the most beautiful sunset! It was incredible.

We all deserve major points for this photo, considering there were about 25 people playing ultimate frisbee behind me and 3 squirrels, it was rather miraculous Nala even cared to look in my direction!

Josh, THANK YOU for this photo – it’s a new favorite!

One thing we do at every engagement session just to loosen up a bit, is dance. While I love posed photos and “unposed” just as much, sometimes you just need to have a little fun. I don’t give couples too much direction, I just ask them to dance. Sometimes it’s a sweet slow dance, and other times they surprise me (or their fiancé!) with something fast and fun. Thanks for shaking things up a bit and getting some good laughs, Josh! It was a fun moment for sure!

Love the smiles while they were walking! What you can’t see is the zillions of bugs swarming around them…lol!

I can not WAIT for your wedding in Chicago next year – I’m just crossing my fingers the weather is even close to this perfect! You guys are so incredibly sweet, and I had such a great time during our session.

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Varonnica & Josh’s Emerald Hills Wedding

Friday, September 6, 2019

These two high school sweethearts have such a sweet story! Varonnica and Josh met when they were younger, through a family member. They were both dating other people, until they finally realized the perfect person was right in front of them! They’ve been together ever since, have built a family with the addition of their adorable daughter, and brought it all full circle with a beautiful heartfelt ceremony and reception held at Emerald Hills Events in Promise City. It was an emotional day – lots of tears, lots of toasts with stories, and the sweetest family dance you’ve ever seen. Get ready for a beautiful day with many incredible moments!

This was the FIRST wedding held at Emerald Hills after it opened this spring. It is an incredible venue! So beautiful!

This incredible invitation suite was designed by the bride’s maid of honor (who also happens to be the groom’s sister!) – she is the designer at Jordan Design Co. So beautiful!

The acrylic welcome sign with hand lettering was done by Painting for Cheese. Love it!

I love this moment when Varonnica’s wedding planner, Karla, brought her out to take a peak at things – it was all beautiful!

A sweet first look with her dad…

Then an emotional first look with the groom!

Varonnica & Josh decided to write letters because they are actually both kind of shy, and they didn’t want to share their heartfelt truths with anyone but each other. So you can imagine the emotions during their first look when they each read eachother’s deepest most heartfelt words of love and devotion!

Varonnica is a talented photographer in her own right, and so I was understandably a tiny bit nervous – that’s a lot of pressure! One thing that was great, though, is that she totally understood how to prioritize certain moments and opportunities throughout her day and was always willing to take more photos when I had ideas. So this means they have a LOT of portraits from their wedding!

I am totally in love with the colors and style for their wedding day.The blush and dusty blue was perfect!

Mandy outdid herself with these bouquets! I am in love with peonies!

Their sweet little girl joined us for family photos – she is seriously the cutest!

Emerald Hills is set up to have a loft area that works great for cocktail hour, ceremony, or extra seating for the reception. It was a beautiful day, though quite windy, and thus indoor was a nice option for them!

A quick selfie before walking down the aisle!

Also another reason I love these two – SO many emotions! Josh cried during their first look AND during their ceremony! I love that even after 6 years together, he is just overcome when he sees his bride,

Married at last!!!! This was my favorite – it’s official!!!

We headed outside in front of Emerald Hills, and the wind had died down a bit. It was the perfect time for a few just-married photos! These are some of my favorites!

Okay I probably sound like I’m raving, but I love that there is a grassy area, trees, the perfect little dock and lake, and of course the beautiful modern farmhouse all in ONE place within walking distance of Emerald Hills. I love this place!

Josh’s dad was his best man, and his sister was Varonnica’s maid of honor. You guys, these toasts…I am pretty sure everyone in the room was crying!

As part of their first dance as husband and wife, Varonnica and Josh invited their daughter Ava to join them on the dance floor. It was one of my favorite moments of the entire day.

Congratulations Josh & Varonnica!

VENDORS

Venue: Emerald Hills Events

Photography: Jennifer Weinman Photography

Planning: Karla Lewenczuk Events

Florals: M.Klyn Floral

Invitations: Jordan Design Co.

Calligraphy: Painting for Cheese

Cake: Little Blackbird Bakery

DJ: Center Stage Productions

Dress: Essence of Australia – from Weddings by Design

Makeup: Powder Studio

**Quick note — Varonnica literally had one of the BEST vendor teams I’ve ever worked with! So, if you’re looking for a DJ or florist or really ANYTHING for your wedding, all of these individuals were phenomenal!

Wedding Photography Labor Day Special

Saturday, August 31, 2019

If you’ve been holding off on booking your wedding or just trying to finalize details, now is definitely the time to book! We are offering a bonus 16×20 gallery wrap canvas to any couple that books their wedding over this Labor Day holiday weekend! Our canvases are a gorgeous way to display your favorite wedding images.

We have dates available for 2020 and are available for travel throughout Iowa and the midwest. We are also more than willing to travel for destination weddings – our passports are ready! Next year, we have weddings in Chicago, Des Moines, Iowa City, Clear Lake, Pella…so many great places! If you have questions about our wedding photography packages, we’d love to chat with you and get to know you and your fiancé better. Please get in touch! Our email is info@jenniferweinmanphotography.com and you can also fill out the contact form on our website to get started!

Jen & Paul’s Galena Wedding

Friday, August 2, 2019

Jen & Paul’s Galena wedding was full of heartfelt moments and beauty that was just incredible. This wedding was special for me because I first met Jen almost 7 years ago at another JWP wedding for Glen and Abby. Jen was the maid of honor for Abby’s wedding, and she’s just one of those people that you never forget. She is friendly, kind, and has a bit of dry whit – it came in handy during the toasts on her own wedding day! Somehow after 7 years, Jen remembered me as well, and reached out to me when Paul popped the question to see if I would be interested in photographing their wedding. It was an easy yes! Not only would I be reunited with some absolutely wonderful people, when she shared her vision for her day, I knew it would be so special

Their wedding was held on a piece of land owned by Paul’s family, and the place for their eventual future home. When we first talked, I remember Jen sharing that Paul does woodworking and was planning to BUILD a space for their wedding! While that didn’t end up being the final plan for their date, what I loved is that they really wanted to put as much of themselves into their day. From the location they chose to the food they ate to the people they shared their moments with, it was a true reflection of them as individuals and a couple. One particular moment I loved was hearing each of their parents share a toast, sharing memories of their kids growing up. Jen’s dad sharing a story of praying for her future husband, and Paul’s mom reminiscing about the revolving door of girls in their household (he has a LOT of brothers!) There were so many smiles from friends and family throughout the evening, sharing the joy they have together and celebrating with Paul and Jen.

Congratulations to you both – what an incredible day! We may not have had picture perfect weather that we had hoped for, but that’s not nearly as important as the rock solid foundation you guys have together!

Venue: Private Estate
Planning & Coordination: Red Heels Wedding & Event Design
Florals: Hand Pickd 4 U
Rentals: Bel Aire Rental
Cake: Wedding Day Bakery
DJ: Alexxus
Video: Taylen Anderson
Transportation: Galena Trolleys
Wedding Dress: Hope’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Makeup: Blue Elements Salon & Spa

We started our day off after a HUGE downpour hit the entire eastern Iowa area and sadly washed away our plans for an outdoor ceremony. One thing I am grateful for is Jen just goes with the flow. She was bummed, but had a good perspective on the whole ordeal and was just excited to get married! We photographed her beautiful dress from Hope’s Bridal and these adorable velvet shoes!

Jen’s mom helped her into her dress.

The incredible flowers from Hand Pickd 4 U were perfect for a spring wedding!

After putting on the finishing touches, it was time for the first look! The sun was just starting to peak out and dry things off just in time.

I love that Jen surprised Paul with an engraving on his wedding band.

One of my favorites from their day!

We headed into downtown Galena for portrait time with their bridal party – and we had a blast out in the streets!

If you’ve been to Galena, you know of the infamous staircase. If you’ve photographed a wedding in Galena, you also know that there are LOTS of people that use these stairs for their workouts. While we were photographing group photos, we had one runner pass through TWICE! That’s one crazy workout if you ask me!

These two are perfect!

Don’t they look beautiful!

We stepped inside the Desoto House briefly for portraits on this historic staircase. The manager was gracious enough to let me rearrange some furniture to get these shots!

When we were driving up to Paul’s family property, I spied the absolute most PERFECT location for some portraits, and it even had a weeping willow tree, which I love! They humored me and stopped for just 5 minutes for a few quick portraits before we rushed back for family photos. I’m gad we stopped because it ended up being some of my most favorite photos from the day!

A little high five and patty cake fun – lol!

Finally, before their ceremony, we took a quiet walk out to the original site where they were hoping to exchange vows. I love when couples can share a little time alone prior to their ceremony, and this was particularly special because I knew how important this place was to them.

Where their story will continue on…overlooking the Mississippi, just outside of Galena.

We gathered back under the tent to begin their ceremony. Even though it was set up for a reception, it worked wonderfully well for a ceremony!

There may have been a slight issue with the ring fitting – I’m pretty sure Paul’s fingers were swollen from helping setup earlier in the day and the crazy humidity!

Almost there…

Married!

A huge shout out to Shannon and her team from Red Heels Events – she pulled together an extraordinary day! Everything was beautiful!

My new favorite idea for centerpieces – old milk crates (at least I think that’s what they are) with individual glass vases and stems of florals! It was perfect!

One bonus of having the ceremony inside was using the arbor for their decor – how incredible does this look!?!

A fun little airstream bar serving peach Bellinis – they were popular!

Garden roses and florals that were to die for!

Jen & Paul entered to cheers, cut their cake, and chowed down on delicious food from top chef contestant Kevin Sharpf. It was seriously the best wedding food I’ve ever tasted.

Bravo to the amazing chef! It was an incredible dinner.

We danced the night away under the stars!

Congrats to Jen & Paul! Your wedding will be one I never forget, and I can’t wait to be back in Galena for more!

Rapid Creek Cidery Wedding for Mackenzie & Jordan

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Mackenzie & Jordan met in dental school, and held their wedding at Rapid Creek Cidery located just north of Iowa City. It was the most perfect spring day, and I know that all of their guests were just as eager to celebrate as the couple was! When they entered their reception with a ceremonial bouquet toss akin to the best 50 yard touch down, you knew it was going to be a great party! Congrats to the newlyweds – never stop celebrating and enjoying life together. This is just the beginning!

Venue: Rapid Creek Cidery
Flowers: Hydrangea Bloom
Coordinator: White Park Weddings
Photography: Jennifer Weinman Photography

I love the period wedding portraits displayed in the bridal suite at The Graduate!

Mackenzie got ready at The Graduate in Iowa City before heading to Rapid Creek for their wedding festivities.

I love love LOVE when they are REAL bow ties!

Many thanks to Allison at Hydrangea Bloom for the incredible florals. I love coral charm peonies and basically all Dutch flowers, so this was basically my dream bouquet!

After sharing their first look, Mackenzie & Jordan shared personal letters with each other and we had some time for portraits down by the creek.

I will have dreams of this bouquet – so beautiful!

Love these two!!!

Rapid Creek Cidery is on the same property as Wilson’s Apple Orchard and this early May wedding benefited from early flowering trees! Most trees were still bare but this one was beautiful!

The best bridal party!

We stole a few quick moments at the end of our portrait time for photos with the couple, and this light was incredible! I love the ceremony spot at Rapid Creek because it always photographs beautifully!